Some Things Never Really Change

I'm so excited to share one of my absolute favorite musicians of all time in this post! Dave Smallen was introduced to me by my kid brother as the lead singer of a band called Street to Nowhere when I was in high school and I've been listening to him ever since. Very much like Conor Oberst and Bright Eyes, Dave was the front man of Street to Nowhere, especially after the original band broke up and left him to reassemble the group. Their only album Charmingly Awkward is easily on my top ten favorite albums list even after all these years. It has a little bit of an "emo" vibe to it, but it is also some of the most genuine, heartfelt pieces work I've ever heard, and quite possibly has the best drinking song of all time.

Since the second dissolution of Street to Nowhere Dave has stepped out as an individual artist, released his solo CD through his website, and has been playing a few shows here and there, unfortunately mostly in California. His latest album Everything Changes and Nothing Changes is a unique piece of work. I love the title because although the music is still a reflection of Dave, it is also a very different sound than what he released through Street to Nowhere.

I think what I love most about Dave is that he is a true artist. If you look through his website he displays artwork and poems, and on his blog he shows interesting photos from touring, writings, more artwork and pictures of him performing. Dave has a way of sharing a part of himself with the world, putting himself out there in ways I don't think I ever could, and I truly envy him for that. If you're lucky enough to be in an area when he happens to play a show I highly suggest checking it out, otherwise check out his website and maybe support an independent artist and spend a few bucks on his album (it's only $7.99!). You can listen to it all online, but I'm sure you won't be disappointed.